Mouse Pads
Tue, 2010-03-30 17:54 — walker
Donor: John David Stone
A mouse is a pointing device that provides input for a computer. The mouse detects when it is moved, and transmits changes in position to the computer. The mouse may determine movement in several ways.
- Mice for the Sun 3/50 (late 1980s) operated by reflecting light off a special mouse pad that contained rows of black dots, arranged in a rectangular grid. The mouse detected when it passed from one dot to the next. By keeping track of direction and the number of dots, the mouse could report changes in its position.
- Many other mice contain balls that roll as the they are moved. Changes in position can be reported by detecting movement of the ball. This type of mouse requires a reliable surface that will facilitate movement in the ball. Further, a clean surface can help prevent the build up of lint that can affect the ball or its sensors.
The mouse on the left illustrates the optical mouse pad of the Sun 3/50, while the mouse pad on the right illustrates a surface with good traction for mice with roller balls.
